From the Introduction of Daniel Boorstin’s book, The Image. The book was published in 1962. These words are stunningly prophetic. But they are consistent with the warnings of Scripture. “In this book I describe the world of our making, how we have used our wealth, our literacy, our technology, and our progress, to create the thicket of unreality which stands between us and the facts of life. I recount historical forces which have given us this unprecedented opportunity to deceive ourselves and to befog our experience. Of course, America has provided the landscape and has given us the resources and the opportunity for this feat of national self-hypnosis. But each of us individually provides the market and demand for […]
Monthly Archives: July 2013
38 posts
Here is a prayer that asks for holiness even when we sleep. O Lord God, who has given man the night for rest, as you have created a day in which he may employ himself in labor, grant, I pray, that my body may so rest during this night that my mind cease not to be awake to you, nor my heart faint or be overcome with apathy, preventing it from adhering steadfastly to the love of you. While laying aside my cares to relax and relieve my mind, may I not, in the meanwhile, forget you, nor may the remembrance of your goodness and grace, which ought always to be deeply engraved on my mind, escape my memory. In like manner, […]
Worship is not about how you feel Worship is about God, the unique ruler of heaven and earth. Biblical worship is a response to greatness. When confronted with the living God, Isaiah’s response is one of being undone, of being afraid. John says in Revelation that when he saw the living Christ he fell at his feet like a dead man. These men weren’t concerned about how they felt. They were blown away by the person of God! Yes, it is good to sing, to rejoice, to pray, to feast on the word of the Spirit. But these good activities must first be a response to the greatness of God. Feelings come later. Don’t evaluate your worship on whether or […]
You know your child should learn to be wise and kind. For example: “Jessica, mommy wants you to be wise all day. Is that clear!?! So, today let’s work really hard on having some wisdom as you play with your little brother.” This example doesn’t really work, does it? Okay, let’s try it another way. “Jessica, mommy wants you to be kind all day. So, let’s work really hard at being kind to your little brother.” This example seems a little more realistic. However, Jessica will not be any closer to a life of wisdom and service to Christ if this is the type of instruction she is given. You see in these examples the child’s behavior is addressed, but […]
I have heard this tear stained question too many times. Parents who have attempted to be godly parents find out their 15 year-old is living out the things they tried so desperately to prevent. The things that they thought would offer protection did not. So what does offer protection for your children? Here is one answer. What you believe is what protects you. What your children believe will be what, ultimately, protects them. Protects them from what? From the attacks of the world. Responsible parents are always looking for ways to protect their children. Whether it is an improved baby monitor or a new cell phone with a GPS locator or a car with more safety features, protecting our children […]
Joseph was young, most likely still a teenager, when he fled from Potiphar’s wife. Why did he flee and resist sexual sin? Most people would think youth is a liability in this situation. The answer is that Joseph was protected be a combination of wisdom and emotion. Let’s look at Joseph’s encounter with Potiphar’s wife. She attempted to entrap him sexually. She appealed to the immediate situation—no one else was around and she was ready for him, even demanding sex with him. How many teenagers in the church today would have resisted that scenario? Yet there was such a powerful vision of God and his honor in Joseph’s heart that he was emotionally repulsed at her advances. Here is how […]
Just after putting up the last post on courage, I realized that there is a specific application that fits perfectly with this definition and prayer that I failed to mention. To state the obvious, a number of our readers are military families and families of first responders. For those deployed or on duty at home you come face to face with situations that require courage many times each day or even each hour. Your families also need courage for each moment that you are away. I urge all of our readers to pray each day for those families that have loved ones in harm’s way protecting all of us. I specifically pray for comfort for these families. There is the […]
Courage is doing what must be done, even when I am afraid and I think it is too hard. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 Prayer for Courage God, please help me to have courage. It is very hard to do what’s right when people might make fun of me or be angry at me. It’s also hard when I’m afraid I’ll fail. Thank you for Jesus, who had the courage to die on the cross for me. Help me to care about pleasing you more than anything else. In Jesus’ name, Amen. This prayer has rich application for our […]
The apostle Paul ends Chapter 3 of Ephesians with a strong benediction in verse twenty. He says that God is able to do infinitely more than we would dare imagine: “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” ESV Wow! I believe Paul places these particular words right before he begins the application portion of Ephesians (chapters 4-6) precisely because he does not want Christians to lose hope. In the final chapters Paul lays out a radical way of living for the Ephesians and for us. Paul was aware of just how contrary to the world’s ways these “basic” directives of the […]
Parenting is a lonely occupation at times—just you, the kids, and the digital clock on the nightstand. Gone from your memory are the baby showers, first steps, birthday parties, and adoring friends fawning over your children. Instead, you are faced with one child who is sick and another one who is whining that he has no one to play with since his sister is sick in bed (the same sister that has gifted you with the same cold she has). Your husband is out of town for three days and it has been raining for forever. Lonely, indeed. Two thousand years ago, your brother Paul knelt before his Father and yours and prayed a simple, profound prayer for you. No, Paul didn’t […]